Statewide child care resources detailed on campus

A comprehensive statewide database and regional resource child care centers were detailed today during a news conference at the Children's Enrichment Center at Grand Valley State University.

The initiatives are part of Michigan's Great Start Child Care Quality Project, a two-year study that assessed how the state's child care dollars have been used. The new changes will reform, streamline and improve Michigan's child care programs through the comprehensive system that addresses needs of children, parents and child care providers.

Sharalle Arnold, director of the Children's Enrichment Center, said the online resources help center staff members stay current with professional development opportunities, and help parents seek out quality child care centers. Great Start's Web site is www.greatstartforkids.org. The Children's Enrichment Center is a member of Great Start of Ottawa County.

Janet Shangle, coordinator for Ottawa Great Start, said the Great Start initiatives ensure that Michigan will have a "seamless system of early childhood supports and programs."